davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Omaha daily bee., 1887-03-30
Voting Away Franchises.

City Attorney Connell calls attention
elsewhere to the necessity of providing
proper safeguards in the grant of munIci-
pal franchises. Mr.. Connell pronounces
the ordinances recently passed granting
rights of way to various street railway
companies as defective In the most es-
sential particulars. The council seems to
have lost sight Of the fact that these fran.
chises are grants that cover an unlimited
period. The conditions imposed by the
ordinances practically leave these COM
panies unrestricted and cover every ave.
nue. and street of any consequence within
the present boundaries OF the city. Mr..
Connell regards such grant as dan
gerous precedent which would become
the entering wedge for extending the life
of other corporate franchises, such as
gas and water companies.
In view of the fact that these fran
chises require the approval of the people
at the coming city election, the question
is whether the council will have them
submitted iu their present detective form
or SO amend them as to secure the ap
proval of the taxpayers and voters. Un
less the rights of the city are properly
protected il will become matter of self
preservation with the people to vote
them down.
Omaha daily bee., 1887-03-30
He is Right.
nlNklI I0l

Whatever may be said against Mr..
Rosewater, personally, there is no doubt
in our mind but that he is honestly work.
ing for the best interests of the producing
classes of Nebraska, and that in his efforts
to secure Just and equitable legislation
upon the railroad question, and to defeat
all schemes for robbing the state treasury,
he is right. We are of the opinion that
in his charges made against mem Ders OF
the legislature he was perfectly justlfi-
able, and that if given proper show he
can substantiatc all charges made
OF al legislatures since the state
of Nebraska was admitted into
the union, the one of 1887 is beyond
question the most disreputable, dishonest
and disgraccful of them all, and 1t has
accomplished the least In The way of use.
full legislation to the people. True they
have reduced the railroad faro to three
cents mile, but that is not what the
people have been groaning under. il
they would reduce the freight tariff, give
us some stringent laws upon the railroad
regulation in our state, it would be OF
some value to the people, but that this
legislature is controlled by the railroads,
by corporations, by moneyed men, is q
self-evident fact, too plain upon Its face
to be a mistake. and the people will no
doubt draw q sigh OF relief when the leg
islature adjOurnS.
Omaha daily bee., 1887-03-30
Those Charges.
r-DI. Osk. To.s.p


Throughout the whole business, ma
jority of the members OF the committee
have carried themselves like men with
large, aggressive skeletons concealed in
different corners of their committee
room. II these men are innocent of oil
wrong doing, why do they not insist up
on the investigation continulng' AS the
matter stands, while these members
may think they have thoroughly downed
Rosewater, he undoubtedly has some
sort of evidence in that sworn statement
that he submitted to the investigating
committee and then withdrew, when the
house voted to make the investigation
public, and this will furnish ammunition
for his paper in future political
campaigns, when the gentlemen will not
have the means of vindicating themselves
at the expense of the state. In view OF
these facts 1t seems improbable that such
smart fellows as these members of the
judiciary committee should agree to n
simple discharge of the Investigating
committee and censure of MIR. Rosewater
unless they were afraid the BEE man had
some mud that would stick If they had
nothing to fear they should have re.
quested that the committee be continued
ana that Rosewater be arrested and
brought before the committee as soon as
he returned to the state. If the gentle
men are perfectly pure, which the CIR
cumstances warrant US in doubling, they
will regret their course few years hence,
when Rosy publishes his evidence Old the
eve of some election.
Omaha daily bee., 1887-03-30
The "Stay.At.HOme" Vote.
Nam York Herald

A comparison of the total vote cast IN
different states in 1884 with the total male
population overtwenty. one years Of age,
returned by the census four years before.
in 1890, shows that curiously great
number Of electors stay at home, even in
presidential election. immigration
puts two states at the head OF the list for
fulness of vote. The vote Of Kansas in
1884 was 100 per cent of her voting popu-
laton in 1880; that of Nebraska l04 per
cent. Texas cast over "a per cent
In 1884 Of her voters in 1880, but Vermont
only 62 per cent; Virginia cast 65 per
cent, Maine only 90 per cent and Califor.
nia-excluding the Chinese from enum.
eration-only about 70 per cent In 1884
of her males over twenty one years in
1880, but that was because a large part OF
the population Is disfranchised.
Comparing northern with southern
states, New York cast S3 per cent, Ten.
nessee 70 and North Carolina 01: Penn.
syivania cast SO per cent and Missouri
81; Wisconsin 90 and West Virginia o.;
Massachusetts, 90 per cent, Maryland 10
and Arkansas 68.
Ten million forty-fou thousand nine
Omaha daily bee., 1887-03-30

tives, would not approve an execution Of
the law until there is further occasion for
IT, 1t was not the popular expectation
that the law was not the popular expecta-
ton that the law was to be put in force
in retaliation for what had occurred, and
the language and spirit of the act do not
indicate that such was the intention. A
refusal of the president to now exercise
his authority would not therefore, fairly
be regarded as evidence of hostility to
the law. That fact can only be shown
when, having conclusive evidence Of
further acts in clear violation of Ameri.
can rights, he shall still decline to use
the power devolved upon hlm by the law.
The necessary test Is not unlikely to
occur at any time, since it is apparent
that the Dominion government does not
propose to reccde from its previous hos.
tile position.
Omaha daily bee., 1887-03-30
To Be Or Not To Be /?

Our Washington dispatches state that
demands are still being made on the
president to put in force the retalla tory
aw against Canada, and that it is be-
lieved he may comply. Indeed 1t is in
ferred that he is preparing to do so from
the fact that the navy department is
understood to have renewed its inquiries
regarding the ability Of the railways and
canals of the country to transport boats
and naval material from the sea to In.
land waters. On the other hand, Wash.
ington advlces to the latest New York
papers received represent it to be prac.
tlcally settled that there is to be no exc
cution of the retaliatory act. One of
these journals states, professedly on the
authority of an official we'll informed
about the attitude of tile president and
cabinet on this subject, that the action of
congress Is looked upon by Mr.. Cleve-
land and his advisers as hasty and i'm
pulsive, and ridiculously inconsistent
with the ability of tho government to
give effect to the aggressive spirit of
the act. 1t Is said furthermore on the
same authority that the secretary of
state had informally made explanations
to the British minister amounting to an
apology for the Trash and inconsiderare
temper displayed by congress-" and as
suring him that nothing would come of
it. There is good deal more from the
same source intended to show that 1t has
never been the intention of the president
TO enforce the law under present condi-
tions, and that he will do 80 only In the
event OF new circumstances arising which
are unmistakable violations of the rights
of American vessels.
A great part of all this gossip must be
taken with allowances. There is indeed
some reason to believe that the admins
tration has never regarded the retalia.
ton act with favor. 1t Is republican
measure, having Its origin in the senate,
and it is matter of record that the ad-
ministration put forth its best efforts to
aid Mr.. Belmont to substitute for it an
other measure far more radical in Its
| character. Whether this movement was
designed to defeat all legislation on the
subject, or denoted sincere de-
sire to meet the issue in the
strongest possible manner, oannat now be
determined but having the law. 1t Is only
fair to believe, until good evidence shall
appear to warrant different opinion
that tho president will enforce it when
ever in his discretion he shall deem Its
enforcement necessary. As to whether
he should proceed at once, as seems to
be the wish Of some, or wait for some
new act on the part of the Canadian
authorities in contravention of American
rights, is question on which there may
perhaps be fair difference OF opinion
We are disposed to think. however. thai
the weight OF intelligent public opinion
freed from all sectional or Interested mo
Omaha daily bee., 1887-03-30
Did andemark's Extra Session Pay?

Did Vandemark's Extra Session Pay?
This is the first Nebraska legislature
which has held n session of sixty days.
That was certainly ample time for acting
upon every bill that was pending before
both houses. At any rate every com.
mendable measure should have had fair
chance of being voted upon. But it
seems that this legislature has been more
wastefui even with its own time than
with the peoples money. 1t has done
less effective work in the sixty days than
any preceding legislature did in forty
days. Some of the most important and
desirable bills have been smothered by
select committee which was empowered
during the last week of the session to pick
out such bills as it regarded most bene.
ticlal This committee killed off many
meritorious bills. but gave preference to
bills like the Saline land grab and kin.
dred jobs. The idea that halt dozen
members should have the power to
pigeon-hole important and needed legis-
lation is certainly novel one. The first
sixty day session has not proved itself
worth the $4,000 which the taxpayers
of Nebraska will have to grind out of
their earnings.
Omaha daily bee., 1887-03-30

Real estate has risen in Bismarck,
owing to the deposit of Missouri mud.
Street railway and electric light fran.
chises are pending before the city coun-
Gil of Yankton.
The new opera house in course of cree.
ton at Grand Forks will have seating
capacity Of 900.
On some of the ranges in the west part
of the territory the loss Of cattle during
the winter is estimated ut 20 per cent.
Grand Forks has over seven miles of
water pipes, forty hydrants and pump
ing capacity of 2,500,000 gallons daily.
The works cost $4,000.
A Minnesota man will give the people
OF Brookings creamery with capacity
of 1000 TO 5000 pounds of butter daily for
$4,000 bonus. The proposition Is being
considered.
Rapid City refuses to drop the smelling
works scheme. Mayor Simmons is now
in the east negotiating for capital, and 1t
is believed lie will be successful. The
plant would be of incalculable benefit to
the hills.
The following from the Farmers ALI
ance, published at Valley City. shows in
what trying positions Dakota newspaper
men are sometimes placed: "What gals
the Alliance force most IS that we can al.
ways hear the tapping of fresh keg OF
beer in the Home and eve no dummy
connection and no 'ducats' to put on the
platter even if we had dummy Con.
sequently we adjourn to the corner of the
office and hit the water pail"
Omaha daily bee., 1887-03-30

Nemaha. On the night succeeding the
presentation of the charges by MIR. Rose
water, Russell, chairman Of the judiciary
committee, was sitting on the settee Of
the landing Of the capitol hotel stairs
conversing with newspaper reporter
who was obtaining information for pub.
lication of a sketch OF Russcl's war
career, which sketch was designed to
further his candidacy for the position of
department commander of the e.. A. X.
Senator Majors passed by up stairs with
Slater on one side ana Bowman on the
other, the three arm in arm. After they
had reached the second floor of the hotel
Slater came back and told Russell that
the latter was wanted in room 90 where
"thc boys were together and awaiting
him. He added that Tom had told
him that they must break up that COM
mittee and must insist on open sessions.
Church Howe did not impart the infor-
nation to "Mr. Rosewaters detective"
Mr. Slater did.
Omaha daily bee., 1887-03-30

Mr.. BRAD SLAUGHTER, chief clerk Of the
house, claims an alibi at that famous
meeting, room 90, Capital hotel, the night
after charges had been preferred against
the gambling bill conspirators. Mr..
Slaughter says he was almost blind at that
time, and under medical treatment. Mr..
Slaughter is only throwing dust to blind
other people. 1t is true that he was under
medical treatment on the night men.
toned. But as the meeting took place
in his own room his bandaged eyes did
not prevent him from taking very act.
i've part in the plot to overturn the in.
vestigation. That alibi will not clear
MIR. Slaughter, much less the members
of the judiciary committee who coun
selled with him, and concocted the
scheme to reorganize the committee and
have no testimony taken unless they
were present
Omaha daily bee., 1887-03-30
ExtraditiOn With russia,

what purpOrtS to be the draft OF new
cxtradition treaty with Russia has been
made public. In its general terms this
convention follows the ordinary course.
1t names as extradltable crimes murder
and manslaughter, rape, arson. burglary,
robbery, larceny when the value of the
property shall exceed 5000, forgery, coun-
terfeiting, embezzlement of public mon.
eys and also of private funds when tho
amount shall exceed 5000. piracy or mu-
tiny on shipboard. and the malicious de-
struction of or attempt to destroy rail-
ways, trains, vessels, bridges. dwellings,
public editices or other buildings where
the act endangers human life. 1t will be
seen to be rather more comprehensive
than treaties generally are, as in the case
Of the provision last noted, which refers
to criminal practices most common to
Russia.
The provision, however, which gives
this new convention its chief importance
and interest is that which, while declar.
ing that q person demanded for an Of
tense of political character shall
not be surrendered, expressly stipu-
lates. that ''the murder or man.
slaughter comprising the wilful
or negligent killing of the sover.
eign or chief magistrate of the state, or
of any member of his family, as we'll as
an attempt to commit or participate in
the said crime, shall not be considered
an offeuse of a political character" The
Russian origin Of this clause is obvious,
and its perfectly plain intent and direct
application will certainly invite criticism
unfavorable to the action of the secretary
of state in committing this country to
such an agreement. The United States
has not hitherto been the favorite asy.
lum of the nihilists. A few, fleeing the
vigilance of the Russian police, have
come here, but for the most part they
have been enabled to find hospitable
domicile in countries nearer the scene Of
their labors. But 1t may happen that
they will find it necessary or expedient
in the future'to seek these shores for the
safety less certain to be secured else
where, and 1t Is grave question whether
we should 10 what most of the nations of
Europe have not yet done with respect to
these foes Of despotism, render this coun-
try q hopeless retreat from the merciless
oppression and persecution of the most
relentless and brutal government in the
world. We do not entertain a shadow
of doubt that the great majority of
the American people will not approve Of
this free republic joining hands with the
most despotic nation of the earth to hunt
down within our harbors those who may
strike at tyranny in the cause of popular
rights. The people of this country de-
plore assassination and would offer no
encouragement to those who have re-
course to it for political ends, but they
also understand that there are condi.
tions of oppression and wrong which may
justify conspiracy, with all that implies,
for their removal. Fortunately the sig.
nature of the secretary OF state is not final
Omaha daily bee., 1887-03-30

hundred and eighty five votes were cast
for presidential candidates in 1884; and
OF these only 133,S25 were cast for
General Butler, and only 15l, 800 for Mr..
St. John. II the Butler vote is added to
the total Cleveland vote and the st. John
vote to the total Blaine vote, tho Clcve.
land vote would stand 5,0i4.S32 and the
Blaine vote 5000, 143. That is to say, Mr..
Cleveland's majority would have been
44,6s9 BY the record his plurality over
Mr. Blaine was CO. ,6S3.
into power, Mr.. Lincoln received $3.50,
352 votes, and the total vote of Douglas,
Breekinridgc and Bell numbered 2,Sl0,
sol. In spite of his. large popular vote
1,375, 1870, MIR. Douglas carried only two
sIates-Missouri and New Jersey.
Omaha daily bee., 1887-03-30
Here's Cheek For You.

Boston Post: have been struck with
the value which Boston is assuming in
the minds of novelists either as place
to be exploited for its characters and To-
calities or as lending an interest to the
title OF work of fiction. The latest ex.
ample of this tendency is shown by the
anonymous writer who has entitled his
novel Two Gentlemen OF Boston" The
Shakespearian suggestivencss OF this title
would perhaps be fatal to the assumption
of any other name than that of Boston as
the residence OF its two heroes, but even
Verona has not spell to make the me-
tropolis of New England dim. Yet, how
absurd 1t would seem to -entitle 0 novel
Two Gentlemen OF New YORK" or 1.-TWO
Gentlemen Of Chicago" tho implication
being that there were no more in either
city.
Omaha daily bee., 1887-03-30

Nix. MoSHANE's editor says we have
failed to produce eye witnesses who were
present when any member of the legis-
lature was boodled. Nobody had right to
expect such proof unless the parties that
raid the money would SO testify ON the
stand. But we have abundant proof that
bribes were solicited and conferences
held by members with the gamblers. Any
man who solicits bribes 10 bribe tskcr.
But Mr.. AcShane's editor has beeu In
sympathy with the boodlers and nothing
eetisr y expected Of him.
Omaha daily bee., 1887-03-30

THE Pennsylvania Railroad company
Interpret the interstate commerce law
70 their own advantage. They have is
sued circular in which they state that
their solicitor has advised that it will be
Illegal to issue passes, after April /, and
accordingly all free transportation will
be called in. Even members of congress
and presidents and members of the cabi.
net have been notified to deliver their
lMnualsn
Omaha daily bee., 1887-03-30

THE message of the Minnesota gov
ernor was printed in ten different Ian.
guagcs. Three hundred copies OF it were
printed in Chinese. The state printers Of
Nebraska have failed so far to print any
Chinese documents. While the China.
man is not citizen of this country and
not often taxpayer it does not follow
that the state printer should be deprived
of q fat Job on such flimsy excuse.
Omaha daily bee., 1887-03-30

A RESIDENT of Georgia was looking at
rapidly moving circular saw in plan.
ing mill at Ocean Pond. He carelessly
threw piece of wood against it. In an
Snstant the stick came back, striking him
: between tho eyes, with force sufficient to
render him insenslble. 1t is thought the
experimenter will not recover. Again is
presented the beautiful Greek maxim
that there should be mo monKeyin' with
the buzz saw while in notion"
Omaha daily bee., 1887-03-30
Fairbury's Progress.

FAIRBURY, Neb., March 30 Core
spondence of the BEE. 1.-Two more addi-
tions to the city surveyed and put on the
market since my letter of last week, and
five houses contracted and commenced
on these additions alone, besides quite a
number in other portions of the city
The greatest activity ever known in real
estate is now being experienced. The
sales for last week aggregated, as near AS
l can find out, between $4,000 and
$50, 900, and much Of it is bought to be
built on. Three business lots were sold
for 30, 900 and will be built on soon. The
number of residence lots sold l am un.
able to state, but the number is large and
some of them sold Mt wonderfully ad-
vanced prices compared to what was
asked a few months ago. Tho city now
comprises space nearly two miles
square and no part but what Is being i'm
every part from the public square to the
most remote suburbs. A stock com.
has been formed, and sci, 900
subscribed already. When spring opens
work will be commenced on the building,
which is to cost at least $25, 900. 1t will
fill long felt want, as our hotel accom-
mOdatlOnS nave Deen Imlteu.
The Commercial house is to be en-.
larged and another story added. which
will make it much better. Ira Tearson,
the proprietor, keeps a good house, but
needs more room, and will undoubtedly
improve his business very much by the
proposed enlargement of the CONNER
cial.
The Christian church is being much I'M
proved in appearance and capacity by
adding wing to each side.
Several of the officials of the Chicago,
Kansas a. Nebraska railroad stayed over
night in the city one day last week, and
switches. The Rock Island is doing big
things for US, and when the Kansas City
d Omaha gets to work on their round
house and division buildings things
of woods in a manner to surprise
the natives. The contract is let to grade
the Kansas City Il Omaha and work will
commence at once.
The city election will be held the 9Th
of April, when the issue will be license or
no license of the liquor traffic. From
present indications the saloons will have
to 60.
The Fairbury Democrat announces that
material is ordered and daily will be
issued soon. The democrat evinces con.
siderable enterprise which should be an
example to others.
The census of the city and also of the
school children is being taken this week,
and will undoubted show n great increase
over last spring.
The ladies are buying lots for specula-
sion. Mrs. Moultor, Mrs. Slocum ana
Mrs Mcdowell have formed a syndicate
and have bought during the last week
five lots, paying therefor $2,S0O.
There are at least twenty carpenters at
work who have come lately and are busy
as are ali the old ones. More are needed
and could find employment.
Omaha daily bee., 1887-03-30

A RECENT cablegram says: "Mr. and
Mrs. Gladstone got lost in fog in Lon.
don the other evening, and were guided
home by policeman" Many men have
been lost in q fog about to o'clock a.
m, in this country. 1t has been noticed,
however, that their wives did not accom-
pany them.
Omaha daily bee., 1887-03-30

A REFRESHING item comes in from pro.
hibition Iowa relating the fact that sew.
eral books of county records which had
long been missing, were recetly found in
aDavenport saloon, where they had been
pawned for liquor by former Official.
Omaha daily bee., 1887-03-30

1T is impossible for the democratic
party in Chicago to find q man who will
accept the nomination for mayor. After
all MIR. Harrison's Unanimous" nOmina-
ton was not such wonderful recogni.
ton as 1t might have been.
Omaha daily bee., 1887-03-30

MORE Chicago boodlers have been in
dicted. 1t is probable that some twenty
or thirty of them will 60 to Joliet. And
yet q newspaper first made the charges
against the dishonest gang. This shows
what an investigation will sometimes dis.
Omaha daily bee., 1887-03-30

SENATOR MAJORS is quoted by our cor
respondent at Lincoln as saying, regard.
ing the expose Of the anti'gambling bill
conspiracy. "the reference made to me in
the BEE In this matter is not correct. The
information came doubtless from Church
Howe. who. / think. purposely misln'
formed Mr.. Rosswater's detective" We
are very sorry to be compelled to con-
tradict the honorable senator from
Omaha daily bee., 1887-03-30

DEAD reptiles preserved in alcohol are
very common and may be seen in nearly
every museum. Live Kentucky scor.
pions soaked in brandy are more rare.
One Of these soaked lizards has been on
exhibition at the low doggeries in Omaha
for the past four months.
Omaha daily bee., 1887-03-30

IT is altogether possible that, owing to
the failure of the deficiency appropria.
ton bill the federal courts throughout
the country will be closed. The plan of
running courts on the credit system was
never very successful.
Omaha daily bee., 1887-03-30

THE news comes from Washington to
the effect that Senator Van Wyck and j.
Sterling Morton are likely to be ap-
pointed as members OF the Pacific rail
way commission.